FCC hopes to avoid 'end of world' for cell phones

The path to clearing up enough airwaves to satisfy the insatiable demand for mobile downloads is a confusing, complicated mess.

Mobile data traffic is expected to increase by a factor of 13 in five years, according to Cisco(CSCO). That's why the Federal Communications Commission and carriers are working diligently to free up big swaths of wireless spectrum for mobile devices. By doing so, they're attempting to stave off what most agree would be a miserable outcome if they fail.

"I e-mailed my boss to ask what would happen if we don't free up enough spectrum," said Tom Sugrue, T-Mobile's vice president of government affairs, at a panel discussion held at the CTIA wireless industry trade show in Las Vegas this week. "He wrote, 'It will be the end of the world as we know it.' He didn't put a smiley face at the end or anything."

Wireless spectrum essentially serves as bandwidth for smartphones and tablets. More spectrum can mean faster speeds for mobile downloads; cramped spectrum can lead to spotty service, slower speeds and even higher bills. So as more people use smartphones, wireless carriers and the FCC believe there will soon be a need for more spectrum.

As part of an effort to free up a large chunk of spectrum by 2015 for commercial mobile usage, the FCC has already identified some spectrum currently used by TV broadcasters as well as more used by a combination of government agencies and other broadcasters to auction off for mobile usage. Those sales are expected to take place next year.

In all that, the FCC is pleading with carriers and current licensees to cut through the noise and keep spectrum auctions as simple as possible.

"It's no secret the incentive auctions ahead are complicated: There are policy pitfalls; there are opportunities to get caught in legal cul-de-sacs," said Jessica Rosenworcel, commissioner of the FCC. "Simplicity is the path to successful incentive auctions."

Rosenworcel said the FCC should auction the 65 MHz chunk all at once, hold an open and transparent auction, and provide carrots -- not sticks -- to those currently holding spectrum licenses to free it up for commercial use.

"Right now we are the world's leading economy when it comes to wireless services," she said. "So let's build on this track record and start to move forward."